Disney’s Hollywood Studios

For thrills head to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and scream your head off as the haunted 13-story elevator plunges unexpectedly, repeating the up and down scares in total darkness. Ride it again as the sequence of drops changes each time. Nearby is Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. The stretch limo travels at speeds up to 57 mph and does two rollovers and one corkscrew. Neon lights flash and Aerosmith’s music blasts as you navigate the freeways of Los Angeles en route to the band’s concert in darkness. Take it down a notch at one of the shows. Indian Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular brings Harrison Ford’s adventures to the stage. A pre-show casting call selects volunteers who want to be in the show—arrive early and claim a front seat for the best chance to be picked.

The bad guys were never so much fun as in the Villains in Vogue store, where Cruella Deville, the Chershire Cat, Captain Hook and other menacing Disney characters are spotlighted in the T-shirt and plush toy collections. For a nostalgic trip to the movies visit Movieland Memorabilia; vintage toys, framed art inspired by the cinema and other memorable gifts are sold here.

The Hollywood Brown Derby, a replica of the original California restaurant, is famous for its Cobb Salad, a recipe created by Bob Cobb who owned the California Brown Derby. For a snack attack, stop at the sweet shop Beverly Sunset; choose from candy-covered caramel apples, Mickey-shaped chocolates and swirls of cotton candy

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, designed around the entertainment giant’s blockbuster movies, complements a visit to Hollywood Studios and is only a short drive away. Known for its family suites that sleep up to six, the resort has accommodations and courtyards themed to Disney’s modern-day classics: “Finding Nemo,” “Cars,” “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid.” It also boasts the largest resort pool in Walt Disney World, complete with underwater speakers—how cool is that!